SEMA eNews Vol. 14, No. 33, August 18, 2011

Confidence Stays Firm for the 2011 SEMA Show

Exhibitor participation for the 2011 SEMA Show is tracking up 14% over this time last year, with new exhibitors signing up every day.

The auto-parts industry shows no signs of letting up on the throttle in spite of turbulence on Wall Street, at least not yet. Even though the economy as a whole has been volatile, consistently positive data is still coming in around the SEMA Show, which is seeing growth in square footage and attendance continues to power ahead.

“Exhibitors and buyers seem to be saying that the more uncertainty there is in the economy, the more they need to be at the SEMA Show,” said SEMA Vice President of Communications and Events Peter MacGillivray. “The automotive community is recognizing the Show as a highly efficient way to do business. That’s understandable—where else can you meet with hundreds of buyers over a four-day period?”

Exhibitor participation is tracking up 14% over this time last year, with new exhibitors signing up every day. Many of the new exhibitors will be at the Show for the first time.

In addition to the positive trend among exhibitors, buyer registration is up 43% and media registration is up a whopping 75%.

Another indicator of the Show’s vitality, housing nights sold, is tracking at a rate 97% higher than last year. That statistic indicates that more attendees will be coming and that they plan to stay longer.

Many exhibitors are taking advantage of SEMA-sponsored cost reductions, such as free drayage for the first 1,000 lbs. of freight. Enhanced promotion via the popular Ideas Alive: Featuring the New Products Showcase—free for the first product—is another benefit that ensures exhibitors get the most bang for their buck.

To view the Show floor, find out about enhanced services or check the index of exhibiting companies, visit the new SEMA Show website at www.SEMAShow.com.